3G disappears, what does it mean for me?

At the end of 2024, the obsolete 3G network will be switched off in order to fully commit to new mobile network technologies.

The discontinuation of 3G allows us to free up space to consolidate and scale up the faster 4G and 5G networks, so that soon you will use the most powerful, secure and energy-efficient mobile network.

The vast majority of customers already use the 4G or 5G networks. So chances are that you are already calling and surfing over 4G or 5G today.
What if you aren't? For older devices, calling and texting will remain possible over the 2G network. Some data services will also continue to exist, but at a low speed.

Mainly because many devices still use 2G exclusively. These are primarily M2M or telemetrics services. They must remain operational because they are used for remote monitoring and operating machines and processes. For example, data collection for calculating truck tolls, remote monitoring and management of utility infrastructure (e.g., water, gas, electricity) and many other business applications.

For mobile devices not supporting voice over a 4G network, voice services will be supported by the 2G network by the end of 2029. Mobile data applications that only require low speeds (< 100 kilobits per second) can still be supported by 2G. For mobile data applications requiring higher speeds, we recommend switching to a 4G or 5G compatible device once the 3G network is discontinued.

If you have a recent device and you subscription allows it, chances are that you are already using the 4G or 5G networks today. Your device supports these networks and automatically selects the best available network by switching from one to the other without you noticing.
If mobile data are included in your subscription, you can also access Internet anywhere your mobile phone allows you to make calls. Check out our network maps to see the 3G and 4G coverageOpens a new window or 5G coverageOpens a new window in your area.

Still using an outdated mobile phone? The 2G network does support some low-speed data services, yet you will feel the impact once the 3G network is discontinued. If you want to keep surfing at the same speed or even faster, we recommend switching to a 4G or 5G compatible device.

You can check this in your mobile phone settings. Please note that not every manufacturer uses the same settings menu.
Proceed as follows to check if your cell phone is 4G compatible:

  • iOS (Apple):
    1. Go to Settings > Mobile data - Mobile Data Options > Voice & data. If you see the 4G/LTE or 5G option here, your cell phone is 4G and 5G compatible.
  • Android (other brands):
    1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network mode. Here you can see if your mobile phone has the ability to select a 5G/4G/LTE mode. If the mode is 5G/LTE/3G/2G, your phone is 4G and 5G compatible.
    2. Go to Settings > Mobile Network > SIM1 > Preferred Network Type. Here you can see if your mobile phone has the ability to select a 5G/4G/LTE mode. If the mode is 5G/4G/3G/2G, your phone is 4G and 5G compatible.

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, also known as 4G. So, your mobile device supports 4G.

As a business, you may be using the 3G network for data, M2M or Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Devices operating only on 3G technology must be replaced in a timely manner.

Proximus collects old smartphones and devices (both phones and M2M devices) and recycles them in an environmentally friendly way because 90% of the materials can be reused. We work with various partners such as Out of Use, Brainscape and Umicore for this.

Would you like more information about how Proximus processes your data?

Consult the privacy notice concerning the 3G outphasingOpens a new window